Why Apple is Removing Iran Apps From the App Store?

Apple is starting to remove Iran based apps from Apple app store, apps that facilitate transactions for businesses or entities based in the country, according to our sources. Apple removed the Digikala app, which is one of the biggest Iran-based online retailers, from the App Store.

According to TechCrunch post that Apple in September last year opened up its App Store “in a limited manner” for Iran-based companies and developers as they registered as “out of Iran” to get into the App Store. Though, it seems that the restrictions have been again imposed entirely.

This issue is first brought to light by Techrasa, which is an Iran based news website. One more website ‘Next Web‘ in a separate report has corroborated the claims and adds that Apple is indeed removing Iran-based apps from the App Store.

Techrasa has quoted Apple’s response to one of the Iranian startups which says, “Unfortunately, there is no App Store available for the territory of Iran. Additionally, apps facilitating transactions for businesses or entities based in Iran may not comply with the Iranian Transactions Sanctions Regulations (31CFR Part 560) when hosted on the App Store. For these reasons, we are unable to accept your application at this time.”

The Next Web quotes, “If the apps are from developers in Iran or doing business in Iran, Apple will reject them, as they are against US national law. So any rejection of apps on the App Store relating to Iran has nothing to do with any actions or executive orders by the current administration.”

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